DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEEMAN FILES IN 81ST DISTRICT

Maryellen Wazorko; Courant CorrespondentTHE HARTFORD COURANT

A 43-year-old longtime resident who has been active in local politics is setting his sights on state office.

Dennis Putala, a member of the Democratic town committee who had been considered as a candidate for the town council, has filed papers with the secretary of the state's office, indicating his interest in running for the 81st District House seat.

Putala, who would probably face Republican Rep. Angelo M. Fusco, said Friday he was not yet ready to formally announce his candidacy.

"I can only say I'm interested in correcting the mistakes," Putala said when asked about his plans if elected.

By filing with the secretary of the state's office, however, Putala can begin fund-raising. He has named Eugene Slason as his campaign treasurer.

Slason waged an unsuccessful campaign against Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy L. Johnson in 1992 and tried his hand at local politics by running for the board of education in 1993. He was defeated.

Putala, a Hartford County deputy sheriff, said he is waiting to announce his intentions until after the local Democratic town committee elects officers at a meeting March 2.

The Democrats are split into two factions, which are expected to face off then.

Committee Vice Chairwoman Dolores Longo said she was shocked to hear about Putala's plans.

"He was always considered part of our group," Longo said. "I'm surprised he didn't talk to me or Chairman Ed Rich about his plans."

Rich is expected to be challenged for his seat by former council Chairman Nicholas DePaola.

Town committee Secretary Betty Shanley is expected to challenge Longo for the second-in-command spot.

The division in the party began over a vacancy on the police board last year and peaked when the two sides became embroiled in a primary for the town clerk's spot in September.